Alex Jones opens up about her body image as she launches rickshaw challenge for Children in Need

I don't feel under pressure to stay in shape as I'm representing all women: Alex Jones opens up about her body image as she launches rickshaw challenge for Children in Need

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UPDATED:

13:00 GMT, 9 November 2012

No pressure: Alex Jones, pictured last month at the Cosmopolitan Ultimate Women Of The Year Awards, said she doesn't feel she must stay in shape because she's on TV

She's viewed by millions every week day evening but Alex Jones said she doesn't let the pressure of being on TV make her paranoid about her appearance.

The One Show presenter told the MailOnline she's relaxed about her body image because she feels like she 'representing all women' who tune into the BBC programme.

She said: 'I don't feel under pressure to stay in shape because I'm on TV.

'I feel like I'm representing women across the country when I'm on The One show and those women come in all different shapes and sizes.

'If they tune in and think I look trim then that's great but it won't always be the case.

'Some weeks I don't have time to do much exercise so I won't look as trim – I hope people won't judge me for that.'

Alex spoke to the MailOnline ahead of the return of the rickshaw challenge for Children in Need this morning.

Last year, her co-host Matt Baker raised 1.9m by completing a gruelling rickshaw ride from Edinburgh to London.

This time around, six youngsters, who have all been supported by Children in Need funded projects in the past, will undertake the challenge riding 411 miles from London to Llandudno.

Matt will cycle beside them as they pull the rickshaw to offer his support and advice while Alex will also join them on the journey, describing her role as 'chief money collector.'

She hopes people will line the streets to donate money and cheer on the teenagers while she'll also be visiting schools and communities along the way to support their fundraising efforts.

Each evening next week, The One Show will broadcast live from the group's route – meaning the team are under pressure to reach their destinations in time for the 7pm broadcast.

Alex said she is confident the 16-18-year-olds taking part will rise to the challenge and support each other to get through it.

'Fingers crossed they will all manage it,' she said. 'They have all had traumatic problems in their lives as individuals and come through them. They really are inspirational and I hope the nation takes them into their hearts and supports them by donating. We'd love to surpass the 1.9m Matt raised last year.'

While Alex will be supporting the youngsters every step of the way on their journey, she won't be powering the rickshaw herself.

'I don't think I could do it,' she admitted, rating her own fitness as about six out of ten.

'I would give it a go but I'm really humbled by Matt last year and the young people this year taking it on.'

Support: Matt and Alex will join teenagers powering the rickshaw on their journey from Wales to London for Children In Need

They're off! The team set off from Llandudno this morning with the aim of reaching London in a week's time

While the rickshaw challengers have been busy training for the event, Alex said she doesn't have a set exercise regime.

'I just like to enjoy what I do and get some fresh air. I walk to work most days and I run two to three times a week. I don't schedule what I do so then it doesn't feel like a chore,' she said.

'Team Rickshaw' will embark on the arduous journey this morning from Llandudno and will attempt to complete the marathon journey in eight days, arriving at BBC's Television Centre for The One Show's Children in Need special next Friday evening.

Representing all women: Alex on The One Show sofa with co host Matt Baker

Every day viewers will be able to track 'Team Rickshaw's' progress online at bbc.co.uk/theoneshow and follow the team on Twitter via #TeamRickshaw.

To show your support for the team by sending a donation of 5, text TEAM to 70705. Text messages will cost 5 plus your standard network charge and 5 will go to Children in Need. For full terms and conditions, visit our website at bbc.co.uk/pudsey

TEAM RICKHSAW: MEET THE INSPIRING TEENS TAKING ON THE CHALLENGE

Darren Tambin, 17, from County Durham: Darren has had glaucoma since he was born and is registered as partially sighted. His mum, dad, brother and sister are all registered blind. He was bullied at school for a long time and found it incredibly difficult to deal with people's perceptions of him as a 'blind boy'. During the challenge he will follow a lead cyclist who will communicate with him about the terrain and course ahead.

James Trimmer, 18, from Kent: James has been a carer for his mother, who has a brain injury, and brother and sister, who both have severe autism, since he was very young. When James isn't at college he runs the household and looks after his family.

Jack Booth, 16, from Essex: Jack had a life-saving kidney transplant when he was four-years-old. He is now fit and sporty and wants to show what amazing things people who are given the opportunity of having a transplant can do.

Up for the challenge: The teenagers, who have all been supported by Children In Need projects, embark on their journey today

Jamila, 18, from London: Growing up, Jamila has seen young people around her turn to crime and gang culture, she chose not to go down this road and now works as a volunteer working to support other young people.

Lauren Bremner, 18, from Stirling: Lauren suffered a brain injury after being knocked down by a car when she was 11. She spent six months in hospital and was left with a broken hip, broken right leg and fractured left arm. With patience and determination, she has re-learnt to walk and talk.

Ciaran Fitzgerald, 17, is from Port Talbot: Ciaran was born with cerebral palsy but never lets his disability get in the way of trying new things. He loves skiing and cycling.